2008 Irish Grand National

DUBLIN, IRELAND - APRIL 21: Runners take the second fence during The Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National Steeple Chase Race run at Fairyhouse Racecourse on April 21, 2003 in Dublin, Ireland. The race was won by Jim Culloty and Timbera. (Photo by Julian Herbert/Getty Images)

The Irish Grand National is the highlight of the Easter Festival, held every year over the Easter weekend at the Fairyhouse racecourse in Ratoath, County Meath in Ireland.

With a prize fund of €250,000 – the biggest in Irish jump racing – the Irish Grand National is one of the most prestigious of all Irish horseracing events. This handicapped steeplechase is run over a distance of 3 miles, 5 furlongs, and includes a total of 23 fences. Horses must be five years or older to participate.

Irish Grand National odds are always eagerly awaited, with legends like Arkle, Desert Orchid and Flying Bolt among those who have taken winning places. An added bonus of €100,000 will go to any UK-trained winner who takes the Irish Grand National after having also won the Cheltenham Festival Chase.

2008 Fairyhouse Easter Festival

The 2008 Fairyhouse Easter Festival is due to kick off on Saturday, 22 March, with over 20 scheduled races and more than €1 million in prize money.

Feature races:

  • Sunday 22nd March - Powers Gold Cup
  • Monday 23rd March - The long-awaited Powers Whiskey Irish Grand
  • Tuesday 24th  March - The Menolly Homes Handicap Hurdle

For spectators, the Easter Festival marks the first Irish horseracing festival of the year, and one that offers some of the best fun, as well as top-notch racing. The Festival is characterised by plenty of entertainment, competitions, and live music. Easter Sunday is Family Fun Day, with special offers at the Fairyhouse restaurants. Easter Monday is Ladies’ Day, so expect plenty of glamour!

Irish Grand National Odds

The 2007 Irish Grand National saw Butler’s Cabin race to victory by a full length against Ferdy Murphy’s Nine De Sivola. With Butler’s Cabin also having had success at the 2007 Cheltenham Festival, all eyes will be on this horse – trained by Jonjo O’Neill and with rider Tony McCoy – to see if he can earn another Grand National victory in 2008.

Before placing your bets for 2008, check our Irish Grand National odds. For the best live horse racing betting, we recommend William Hill – one of the world’s leading bookmakers.

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